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When writing an essay, follow these eight basic steps:
- Select a topic:
Be sure the topic is narrow enough to make it manageable within the
space of an essay
- Write a thesis sentence:
Be sure the thesis statement(or sentence) expresses a controlling idea
that is neither too
broad nor too specific to be developed effectively
- Select a method of development:
Check through all the methods before you finally settle on the one
which will best serve your thesis:
| definition |
example |
| compare and contrast |
cause and effect |
| classification |
process analysis |
- Organize the essay:
Begin by listing the major divisions which the body paragraphs in your
essay will discuss; then fill in the primary supports that each body
paragraph of the essay will contain
- Write topic sentences for the body paragraphs of the essay:
For each body paragraph, furnish a topic sentence that directly
relates to the thesis sentence
- Write the body paragraphs of the essay:
Each body paragraph should develop the primary support covered in that
paragraph's topic sentence
- Furnish a paragraph of introduction:
An introductory paragraph should state the thesis of the essay,
introduce the divisions in the body paragraphs of the essay, gain the
interest of the reader
- Write a paragraph of conclusion:
A concluding paragraph should restate the thesis and divisions of the
essay bring the essay to an appropriate and effective close without
digressing into new issues.
Source: Ida Masters Hollowell, James A. Levernier, A. Franklin
Parks, Structuring Paragraphs: A Guide to Effective Writing.
2nd ed. New York: St. Martin's,1986.
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The Study Guides and Strategies web site was created and is
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